IPL 2025: Ruturaj Gaikwad out due to injury, MS Dhoni again became CSK captain
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has suffered a major setback to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2025. The team’s regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the entire tournament due to a hairline fracture in the elbow. In his place, veteran cricketer MS Dhoni will once again take charge of CSK. While this news is disappointing for CSK fans, on the other hand, Dhoni’s return to the captaincy has also raised enthusiasm among the fans.
Ruturaj Gaikwad injury: What happened?
Ruturaj Gaikwad suffered the injury during the match played in Guwahati against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on 30 March. The ball of fast bowler Tushar Deshpande was on the elbow of his right hand. Despite this, Ruturaj played a brilliant innings of 63 runs in that match, but his condition deteriorated due to pain.
CSK head coach Stephen Fleming said in a press conference, “Ruturaj was hurt in Guwahati. Nothing was clear in the initial X-ray, but later MRI confirmed the hairline fracture in the elbow.
MS Dhoni returns under captaincy
In the absence of Ruturaj, CSK decided to make his most experienced player MS Dhoni a captain. Dhoni has captained the CSK from 2008 to 2023 and during this period has given the team five times IPL title (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023). In 2024, he handed over the captaincy to Ruturaj, but now it is again on his shoulders.On Dhoni’s return, Stephen Fleming said, “Dhoni showed no hesitation in handling the captaincy. He is always ready and will help the team remove it from this difficult period.” CSK’s record under Dhoni’s captaincy has been excellent. He has won 133 wins in 226 matches, making him one of the most successful captains of the IPL.
CSK’s performance so far
CSK’s performance in IPL 2025 has been disappointing so far. The team ranks ninth in the points table after losing four of the five matches. Ruturaj Gaikwad was the second highest run -scorer of the team by scoring 122 runs in this season. Their absence is a major disadvantage to CSK, especially when the team’s top order is already struggling.
Challenges in front of Dhoni
This season will not be easy for Dhoni. CSK needs to win immediately to bring its campaign back on track. The next match will be held on 11 April against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This will be Dhoni’s first match as captain and fans hope that the magic of ‘Thala’ will last once again.
After this, CSK has to play two important matches against Lucknow Super Giants (April 14) and Mumbai Indians (April 20). Dhoni’s strategy and experience can prove to be a game-changer for CSK in these matches.
Enthusiasm in fans
The news of Dhoni’s return to captaincy has encouraged CSK fans. ‘Thala Dhoni’ is trending on social media, and fans are hoping to return the team under his leadership. A fan wrote, “It is sad for Ruturaj, but CSK will do wonders again under Dhoni’s captaincy. #WhistlePodu”
Happy Ruturaj to recover soon
CSK has greeted Ruturaj in his official statement. The franchise wrote, “Ruturaj Gaikwad is out of the season due to a hairline fracture in the elbow. MS Dhoni will now captain. Get well soon, Rutu!Ruturaj has been the most trusted batsman for CSK in the last few Jans. In 2024, he was the highest run -scorer of the team and under his captaincy CSK performed several memorable performances. The fans and the team hope that they will soon recover completely and return to the field.
This is a significant turn for CSK in IPL 2025. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury has put the team in trouble, but MS Dhoni’s return to captaincy has aroused new hopes. Will Dhoni be able to take CSK to the playoffs once again? It will be exciting to see this.
